Isle of Portland redefines the maritime port experience with geography that feels wild and intimate. The 6-kilometre-long, 2.7-kilometre-wide island sits in the English Channel, joined to the mainland by the Chesil Beach barrier and watched over by the dramatic Portland Bill lighthouse. The harbour here is a working, protected haven that stands apart from typical cruise ports: it offers easy access to the Jurassic Coast, historic Portland Bill, and nearby Weymouth while maintaining a peaceful, less crowded ambience. Signature experiences include guided coastal walks along the World Heritage coast, lighthouse tours, and private sailing charters within Portland Harbour; opportunities to observe regattas and training at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy; and exploring fossil-rich cliffs along the Jurassic Coast. The fleet features at Portland include deep-water berths and sheltered moorings, efficient turnaround facilities, and proximity to a premier sailing academy, enabling ships to offer guests immersive waterborne adventures and onshore activities. Onboard services for calls to Isle of Portland emphasize guest comfort and convenience: streamlined arrival and transfer arrangements, accessible information desks, curated Dorset excursions highlighting local cuisine and scenery, and onboard programs that showcase maritime history, coastal geology, and the region’s seafood hospitality.
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Currency
British Pound Sterling (GBP)
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Language
English
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Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0)
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Best Time to Visit
Apr–Aug
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Typical Duration
14-18 nights
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Price Range
From $1,098 pp
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Port Type
Port of Call
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Tender Port
No
Gateway to the Jurassic Coast and a strategic departure point for Northern European cruises exploring the UK, Ireland, and continental ports.
Cruises that visit Isle of Portland
- cruises to Isle of Portland
- Isle of Portland sailings
- Isle of Portland cruises
- 8-night Virgin Voyages cruise
- 8-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 8-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 9-night Atlas Ocean Voyages cruise
- 10-night Oceania Cruises cruise
- 10-night Silversea cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 10-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 10-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 10-night Norwegian Cruise Line cruise
- 11-night Silversea cruise
- 12-night Holland America Line cruise
- 12-night Explora Journeys cruise
- 12-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 13-night Holland America Line cruise
- 13-night PONANT EXPLORATIONS cruise
- 13-night Holland America Line cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
- 14-night Viking Ocean Cruises cruise
Build Your Day in Isle of Portland
Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.
Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Portland Bill Lighthouse
Great way to spend an hour with a relaxing walk taking in the views.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
SEA LIFE Weymouth
Entertaining and interactive for all ages... including adults!
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Nothe Fort
Views, history, interactive exhibits, dressing up and a mouse hunt!
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Portland Castle
Great place fun interactive boards and games.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Olympic Rings Stone Sculpture
Fantastic venue lots to do looking over cheslebeach.
The Cove House Inn
It is such a nice restaurant located in the high street of Isle of Portland.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
The Lobster Pot
Excellent food and staff, well worth the visit on Portland
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Billy Winters
Good lunch overlooking Portland Harbour.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Crab House Café
Great fish restaurant near the causeway to Portland.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Heights Hotel
All organized well and is a historic part of the isle of Portland.
Quiddles Cafe
Food: Oysters excellent, king prawns excellent, seafood chowder average.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Premier Portland Marina & Boatyard
Very good prices and friendly service.
🕐 Open 24 hours
Isle of Portland
Highly recommend the activities centre and Dillon as a host.
Castletown D-Day Centre
A fantastic interactive museum with very informative staff.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Lidl
Good choice of own brands and branded goods at very reasonable prices.
🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park & Nature Reserve
Free attraction with plenty of sculptures to look at.
The Eight Kings
Excellent pub good food and Excellent music.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Church Ope Cove
Good to spend an afternoon.
Sugar Loaf Cafe
Well worth a visit if you’re on your way to Portland bill.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Pulpit Rock
Crazy but looked like lots of fun.
The Beehive
Reasonably priced with a good selection.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Island Sauna, Portland
Such a bargain price and ace people.
🕐 Closed · Opens 7:30 AM Thu
Catch at The Old Fish Market
Our favourite of the night was the lobster with sundried tomatoes.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM Thu
Salt at Portland Marina
Dined at Salt for a few times during our 6 days’ stay in Portland Marina.
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
The Little Ship
Brilliant atmosphere, friendly staff, reasonably priced, beautiful pub
🕐 Closes soon · 12 AM
Tesco Superstore
Good selection and reasonable opening hours
🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Portland Museum
Great value, packed with interest for all ages!
🕐 Closed · Opens 10:30 AM Sat
Portland Bird Observatory
Portland is a GEM.
Punch Bowl Inn
Good pint, friendly and homely atmosphere
🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM Thu
Portland Bill Lighthouse Visitors Centre
My 7 year old Grandson loved it.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Rufus Castle
While area is popular with walkers and climbers.
Portland Port Cruise Ship Dock
Had a great haircut downtown and souvenir shopping along the river walk.
The Green Shutters
Live sports on a big screen with discreet volume, and friendly folk.
🕐 Closes soon · 12 AM
Corner House Inn
Nice local pub good beer and good prices.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Britannia Inn
Great pint great price steeped in history
🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM Thu
New Star Inn
Amazing pub, amazing staff, and a brilliant atmosphere.
The Royal Exchange
Friendly atmosphere and a good pint
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
The Official Test Centre - Watersports Centre
A perfect location too.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Sticks & Bones
Fun selection of cocktails reasonably priced!
🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Rice And Sail
Rice & Sail in Weymouth is an absolute gem.
🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Dorset Shellfish
Local providing great fresh produce.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Grove Prison Museum Portland Dorset
Great little museum, run by volunteers.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
The Wool Shop
There is always a good selection of Wool, Materials, and Accessories.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Portland Market
Clothes good quality and reasonable
🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Sun
Ocean Breeze Beach Bar
Fantastic beach bar, great beers on draft and super friendly service.
🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Island Gallery
Family values, art and design, knowledge and unknown.
🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Memory Stones - Green Corridor leading to Tout Quarry Sculpture Park & Nature Reserve
With the memory stones, newer addition to the sculpture park.
The Stone Bench
Love all these memory benches all over the island 🏝.
Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.
About Isle of Portland
Cruise Lines at Isle of Portland
- Viking Ocean Cruises (22 cruises)
- Holland America Line (14 cruises)
- Explora Journeys (13 cruises)
- Norwegian Cruise Line (9 cruises)
- Oceania Cruises (3 cruises)
- PONANT EXPLORATIONS (3 cruises)
- Seabourn (3 cruises)
- Disney Cruise Line (2 cruises)
- Silversea (2 cruises)
- Atlas Ocean Voyages (1 cruise)
- Virgin Voyages (1 cruise)
Cruises Departing From Isle of Portland
Cruises Visiting Isle of Portland
Ship Schedule at Isle of Portland
Isle of Portland Location
Other Cruise Ports in England
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Isle of Portland?
A tied island in Dorset, England, connected by Chesil Beach to the mainland.
What can visitors do on Portland?
Coastal walks, lighthouse visits, watersports, and exploring the Jurassic coast.
What is Chesil Beach known for?
A barrier beach linking the isle to the mainland.
How far is Weymouth from Portland?
A short drive or cycle ride across the bridge and Chesil Beach.